Robbins promotes a balanced and
harmonious environment and good
forest stewardship through participation
in the American Forest and Paper
Association's Sustainable Forestry
Initiative (SFI). Robbins supports
the SFI, which is a practical system
of principles, guidelines and measures
integrating the growing and harvesting
of trees with the protection of
wildlife, plants, soil, air and
water quality and aesthetics.
SFI is designed to meet the needs
of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs by practicing
a long-standing land stewardship
ethic.
Who is involved
with SFI?
The following
organizations and agencies
support and steer the efforts
of SFI.
- U.S. Forest Service
- U. S. Dept. of Agriculture
- EPA
- Ducks
Unlimited
- Society
of American
Foresters
- State
Forester heads
- Major university
department heads
- The Conservation
Fund
- Izaak Walton League
- Roughed Grouse Society
- National Association of
Fisheries and Wildlife
- International Association
of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
- National Association of
- Conservation Districts
- Land owners across
the U.S.
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The Sustainable Forestry
Initiative is consistent with the
goals and policies of Robbins.
The SFI and its genesis with the
National Forest Products Association
generations ago, represents the
most comprehensive approach to
multi-disciplinary forest management.
SFI is practiced by 200
forest product companies which
account for 50% of the solid wood
production in the United States.
No other existing program has more
influence in responsible stewardship
of our renewable resources.
An examination of our lumber suppliers
reveals that the majority (75%)
are family owned and operated businesses
that manufacture a variety of species
harvested from forests near their
mills. Most manufacture a variety
of products serving diverse end-user
markets. Most of the trees are
harvested from small tracts of
privately owned timber. SFI aggressively
targets these small sawmills, loggers,
and land owners to educate and
train them in best management practices.
SFI extends its minimum quality
standards to include not only proper
forest ecology, but also the efficient
conversion of trees into lumber.
The SFI encourages
tree reforestation. Since 1980,
30 billion trees have been planted
by SFI participants, reforesting
41 million acres. A requirement
for participation in SFI involves
providing funding for forest research
to improve the health, productivity
and management of all forests,
water quality, and wildlife. $178
million was applied toward research
and training in the last three
years.
Currently eight
(8) of our suppliers are recognized
members in SFI. Additionally,
most of our suppliers are active
members in organizations such
as the National Hardwood Lumber
Association (NHLA) which endorses
the SFI. Plans are underway to
increase participation by these
sawmills. Most of our suppliers
have been practicing conscientious
sustainable harvesting and reforestation
programs for generations.
The Sustainable
Forestry Initiative is in the
final stages of providing certification
of member companies by an independent
review board composed of experts
representing a comprehensive
range of fields and backgrounds.
This team of wildlife, forestry,
biology and ecology experts will
verify and document that a company
is practicing sustainable forestry
techniques which benefit the
local community and promote a
healthy, balanced habitat.
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